WelcomeThe Peabody Learning Academy (PLA) serves 30 high school students. In partnership with the Simon Youth Foundation, it is part of the Peabody Public School District and is located at the North Shore Mall. Modeled on other successful, non-traditional high school programs in the nation, this program allows students to learn in an alternative setting with the use of the Gradpoint digital learning platform and for many, to participate in PVMHS after school and club activities.

MissionThe mission of the Peabody Learning Academy is to provide a rigorous academic program designed to advance the achievement of all students especially in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics within a small school environment. Rooted in the community values of respect, commitment, discipline, integrity, unity, and citizenship, the school is dedicated to developing habits of mind that lead to college or the world of work, upon graduation

PhilosophyThe Peabody Learning Academy believes all students can achieve excellence in a positive, challenging educational environment that stimulates their interests, channels their energies, and develops their abilities. The PLA is committed to providing a nontraditional learning environment for students with distinct needs for these educational services.

The Peabody Learning Academy is committed to ensuring opportunities for all students to increase skills in both academic and employment environments. The PLA concentrates on increasing students’ academic and career/life skills by offering opportunities not only to earn a high school diploma with credits equal to the same levels of difficulty and standards offered in PVMHS, but also to receive personalized career counseling for school-to-college and school-to-work transitions.

Students benefiting from the PLA may include:

Students with average or above average abilities who are not meeting achievement standards;

Students who require individually-designed educational approaches;

Students from regular classes who require special tutoring in specific, basic skills areas;

Students with adjustment problems that can be modified by a highly personalized approach;

Recent drop-outs who want to return to school and others who have been unable to cope with a traditional high school structure;

Students who have fallen behind due to chronic absenteeism;

Students needing an alternative path to graduation due to course/credit deficiencies or other issues;

What makes the PLA different from Peabody High School?

· The PLA is a small school with no more than 30 students

·Highly individualized attention to students

· Class size is limited to 15 students

· There are fewer electives than at PHS

· Opportunity for credit recovery

· Internet based curriculum using NovaNET Courseware

Message from the Director, Seith BedardThe Peabody Learning Academy is based on the idea that some students need a small school environment to experience academic success and personal growth. At the PLA, faculty and students are committed to building a school community that emphasizes personal attention, academic achievement, and preparation for the worlds of work or higher education. The PLA is also a place of “second chances” for students who have dropped out of school or who need an opportunity to recover their credits for graduation. I look forward to reviewing applications and meeting with Peabody High School students who would like to learn more about the PLA.